Lochearnhead holiday cottage business owners Kim and Fraser Proven are embracing “Year Of Natural Scotland 2013” by offering vouchers with local tourism partners, starting with Wildlife Watch and Land Rover Safari experiences in April and May.

Feb. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- The Proven's believe that the community and back drop of Briar Cottages http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk in Lochearnhead and neighbouring villages (Balquhidder, Strathyre, St Fillans) in central Scotland, epitomise all that is good about; natural and historic landscapes, art inspired by nature, popular wildlife, outdoor activities and delicious food & drink. They plan to celebrate "Year of Natural Scotland", a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, by releasing a series of gift vouchers with holiday weeks booked throughout the year. In doing so they will highlight a variety of excellent local partners within these tourism categories, commencing with wildlife watch experiences in spring.

A seven night holiday in pet friendly Little Briar Cottage during April, comes with a voucher for two adults to visit designated animal hides in The Trossachs. Observe popular species like badgers, red squirrels, pine martens and otters. The experience starts at The Strathyre Outdoor Centre off the A84 on The Rob Roy Way section of Scotland’s GORE-TEX National Trail. Spend time with Natural Trossachs eco-tourism business owner Anthony Phillips, who will answer queries and lead visitors to hides at optimum viewing times. ( http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk )

7 nights in May at luxury Briar Steading comes with a Land Rover Dawn Safari experience for two, with Hidden Glen Safaris. Local guide Alan Sneddon will pick guests up from the cottage before driving off road through Balquhidder Glen, with binoculars at the ready, to spy on birds and animals in the naturally stunning terrain that was the final stomping grounds and resting place of Rob Roy MacGregor. ( http://www.hiddenglensafaris.co.uk )

Kim says, “TV exposure of wildlife has increased visitor appreciation and curiosity. Guests arrive eager to glimpse stags, red squirrel, golden eagles and otters. Each season brings its own delights, like the return of breeding osprey pairs fishing Loch Earn in front of our garden in April and the stag rutting season in late Autumn. You can witness wildlife activity all year round here; bats, butterflies, herons, swallows, martins, various bumble bees, oyster catchers, mallard ducklings, owls, cuckoo’s, red kites and more. Professionals can ensure that you are in the best spot to watch wildlife, respecting the breeding grounds of endangered species like the local black grouse, for example.”

Fraser has noticed that guests are more knowledgeable about wildlife. “We are lucky to have so many naturalists, wildlife authors, ecologists and estate managers living and working around Loch Earn where Stirlingshire, Perthshire, The Trossachs and The Highlands all meet up in the centre of Scotland. Even our community newspaper “The Villagers” has a wildlife enthusiast writing his Pin-Feathers column under the pseudonym “Old Nyati”. Good questions deserve expert answers and we have a pool of contacts and neighbours to turn to. We also have The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park of Scotland rangers’ office 500m from our gates” he said.

In addition, use of Briar Cottages jetty, slipway, moorings and summer house are all inclusive as is trout fishing from the 250ft loch garden from March 15 to October 6. Request use of the hot tub on the three acre grounds and visit inside the owners B listed thatched cottage. View the original cruck framed Scots Pine ceiling, where MacGregors and 200 years of McLaren crofters were tenants of the Earls of Breadalbane. Visit http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk to find out more about Briar Cottages holidays for 2-4 or telephone Kim: 01567 830 443.

Whether you are professional or amateur, a wildlife watcher or photographer, happy to be amongst nature when relaxing or taking part in outdoor activities, there is something for everyone around Briar Cottages and its stunning location; facing south on the banks of Loch Earn looking to Glenample and Stuc A Chroin.